Truman Leads Expansion at Wardle Academy

Truman is currently executing a significant extension at Wardle Academy in Rochdale. The £1.4m project has been commissioned by the Watergrove Trust with work starting in July.

Wardle Academy serves approximately 1350 students and 200 staff. They believe that the young people in their care should receive an education that promotes lifelong learning.

The scope of work for Wardle Academy

The core of the development involves an extension to the existing Anderson Suite. Our work includes the creation of three new classrooms and kitchen facilities, along with related groundwork and drainage. As part of this comprehensive project, we’re also executing a series of enhancements to the existing facilities.

The Anderson Suite is undergoing substantial remodelling, beginning with the repositioning of the female toilets to the area previously housing the male facilities. This move necessitates a reconfiguration of an internal wall and the formation of a new entrance hall. Truman's remit also extends to updating the heating system within the school with the replacement of two boilers.

Sustainable construction with SIPS

The team is using the Structural Integrated Panel system (SIPS) across this construction project. SIPs are an efficient construction method employed in both residential and light commercial buildings. These panels are designed with a central insulating foam core, which is flanked by two structural facings, most commonly made of oriented strand board (OSB).

Because these panelised systems are constructed off-site, less time on-site will be required across the project. When added to the enhanced thermal performance of these panels, we start to see a marked reduction in carbon output and a more sustainable construction process.

-

The provision of additional classrooms and updated facilities enables the Academy to offer increased learning opportunities to its community and we’re looking forward to helping the school achieve that before the end of 2023.